The landscape of Indian roads is changing rapidly, and car buyers are no longer just asking about mileage; they are asking, “Is this car safe for my family?” Answering that question with a resounding yes, the third-generation Honda Amaze has officially achieved a 5-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Safety Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP).
This achievement marks a significant milestone as the Amaze becomes only the second sedan in the country to undergo this rigorous testing, following closely in the footsteps of its arch-rival, the Maruti Dzire. What makes this rating particularly reassuring for buyers is that it applies to the entire lineup. Whether you purchase the base model or the top-spec version, the structural integrity and core safety features remain consistent across all six variants of the new generation.
Inside the Crash Test Results
To truly understand what these stars mean, we need to look beyond the headline and into the data. The Amaze secured a solid 5-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and a respectable 4-star rating for Child Occupant Protection (COP).
For adult passengers, the sedan scored 28.33 out of 32 points. During the frontal offset test, which simulates a head-on collision, the car provided adequate to good protection for the driver and good protection for the passenger. In the side impact tests, which are crucial for urban accidents, the vehicle performed well, though the report noted “marginal” protection for the driver’s chest area in the side barrier test. However, it cleared the side pole impact test with an ‘OK’ rating, proving its structural capability to withstand severe impacts.
When it comes to the safety of younger passengers, the Amaze scored 40.81 out of 49 points. The dynamic crash test results were particularly impressive. The car scored full marks for protecting a 3-year-old child dummy. For the 18-month-old dummy, protection was largely good, with only minor points deducted for slight injuries.
You might wonder why it received 4 stars for children despite such high crash scores. The deduction primarily came from the “vehicle assessment” category, where it scored 5 out of 13 points, despite acing the Child Restraint System (CRS) installation check with a perfect 12/12.
Standard Safety Features
Honda has ensured that safety isn’t treated as a luxury add-on. The manufacturer has standardized a robust safety suite across the board. Every single new Amaze comes equipped with:
- 6 Airbags (Front, Side, and Curtain)
- ISOFIX child seat anchorages
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS with EBD
- Seat belt reminders for all seats
For those opting for higher trims, the safety net widens. Mid-spec variants gain a rear parking camera and blind-spot monitoring to help navigate traffic. The top-tier variant takes it a step further with a complete ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, offering active safety features that can prevent accidents before they happen.
The Rivalry: Amaze vs. Dzire
The compact sedan segment is witnessing a fierce battle, not just on sales charts but now on safety scorecards. The Maruti Dzire was the first sedan to run the Bharat NCAP gauntlet in June, setting a high benchmark.
So, how do they compare? Both cars are incredibly safe, boasting 5-star ratings for Adult Occupant Protection. However, if we look at the raw numbers, the Dzire holds a slim lead. It scored 29.46 out of 32 for adult protection, slightly edging out the Amaze’s 28.33.
The difference is more noticeable in Child Occupant Protection. The Dzire managed to secure a 5-star rating in this category as well (41.57/49), whereas the Amaze secured 4 stars (40.81/49). While the gap is narrow, the Dzire currently holds the title of the highest-rated sedan in the segment. Nevertheless, the Amaze’s performance solidifies its position as one of the safest family cars available in India today.
